A day in Tauranga

MorningPuff your way to the top of The Mount (two hours return) on Marine Parade for spectacular views over Tauranga Harbour and the Bay of Plenty Region. This is definitely a must-do, so don’t leave town until you’ve done it.If you can’t manage the steep climb, walk around the base of The Mount instead. It has lovely harbour views and there are some great picnic and fishing spots along the way.Bring your togs and relax afterwards at the Mt Maunganui Hot Pools. These natural saltwater pools are the perfect way to wind down after your walk.Pack up a picnic hamper and your togs, and check out the famous surf at Mt Maunganui Beach. There’s always a lively atmosphere and some surfers or wind surfers to keep you entertained, and you can nip across the road for the road for a bite to eat at one of the pavement cafés. It’s the perfect place to spend a day hanging out at the beach.Take a tour of smouldering White Island - one of the region’s most famous landmarks. You can stand right on the edge of an active marine volcano and there are old sulphur mine ruins to see as well.Afternoon Head to Mills Reef Winery and settle in for a spot of lunch and a drop or two of the locally made vino. On sunny days, you can dine al fresco and there are beautiful grounds to enjoy as well.Check out the classic aircraft and aviation memorabilia at the Classic Flyers Museum at Tauranga Airport. There’s a good café here if you fancy a spot of lunch first.Hire a land yacht and get the wind in your sails at Blokart HeavenGive yourself a buzz at Tauranga Tandem Skydiving and enjoy the amazing views of the Pacific Coast and White Island on the way down.Swim with the dolphins in Tauranga Harbour and enjoy a close-up encounter with these amazing marine mammals.Evening Tauranga and Mt Maunganui have lots of options for a night on the town, with lively bars, clubs, pubs, cocktail lounges and plenty of spots to catch some live music. There’s often a live act at weekends at the Brewer’s Bar at the Mount, or head down to Tauranga’s waterfront and check out the restaurants and late-night bars and pubs that line The Strand.Don’t stop here! Discover more by just typing a keyword into the ‘keyword’ field on the Explore page. You’ll find walks, reserves, markets, waterfalls, galleries, museums, wineries and much more. Want to see what’s around your current location? Simply select Nearby and set the distance. To see what else is near a chosen point of interest, just tap on a red flag above the image.Images by iTravelNZ, essjay